Consumers and entrepreneurs in Africa are set to benefit from a new interactive Internet payment system that allows for a secure and flexible financial transaction.Dubbed Mobipay and developed by Kenya Data Networks(KDN), the multichannel Internet payment gateway solution is expected to turn mobile phones into secure means of electronic transaction platforms due to their proximity and ability to process payment services even remotely bypassing the inherent risks that have been associated with card usage in Africa.According to Kai Wluff, Chief Executive Officer, KDN, the new payment system will allow consumers and businessmen to conveniently purchase or pay for products and services depending on their needs through the Internet to multiple Internet merchant and government agencies on the continent and globally.

“Mobipay will be able to work across all telecom operators as it is handset independent and works well with all financial instruments (credit/debit/prepaid cards). The service is also applicable across different merchant categories to give our consumer the convenience and enhanced security of mobile payments,” said Kai.

Users will also be able to carry out proximity transactions such as personal payments, ATM withdrawals, retail transactions at Point of sale (POS) and remote transactions like money transfers via the web.

The service will provide simple and intuitive mobile commerce solutions that are adaptable to consumers and various business requirements. It will also be customized for different kinds of payment services and to suit different business processes autonomously by being seamlessly added to existing payment schemes such as M-pesa and Zap.

“Internet has evolved into a comprehensive network for growing, developing and enhancing global business opportunities. The market today therefore demands a secure, scalable and proficient e-payment transaction processor which can also act as a single entry provider in bringing the banks, businesses, credit card networks, consumers and governments together, “said Kai.

Mobipay will provide efficient payment services to customers and merchants across the region through converging e-payment, credit card networks, mobile and banking transactions to promote business development by providing a secure payment platform within which business transactions will be carried out.

“The growth of mobile telephony in Africa coupled with a high unbanked population presents a unique platform for business that requires different approach towards the actualization of economic growth that will drive trade and commerce as has been seen in other continents, “said Kai.